Hello and welcome along to today's LIVE rugby league blog where we will have all the news and rumours all day long.

It's derby day eve and the excitement around Hull is starting to build as Hull KR prepare to make the short trip over the River Hull to the KCOM Stadium to face Hull FC.

The clash is not just a derby, though. It's a huge game for both sides with two Super League points on offer at the start of a make or break period of the campaign.

The Black and Whites will be looking to consolidate their spot in the top five this weekend over their bitter rivals, while Rovers will be looking to move even further up the Super League table and away from the bottom.

We'll be building up to the big game and all of the Easter fixtures from around the Super League throughout the day

19:07

Goodnight from us

That’s it for today.

We’ll be back tomorrow bright and early as we start the build-up to the 233rd Hull derby and we’ll be live all day with team news, live match updates, pictures, reaction, analysis, ratings and so much more.

Just one more sleep people.

We’ll leave you with some of our derby build-up so far to look back on.

Night.

18:38

Who you backing?

18:33

Quite strong from Radford

Lee Radford insists he doesn’t have a preferred half-back combination within his Hull FCsquad.

With Jake Connor returning to full fitness and making his comeback from a knee injury last weekend, Radford now has three half-backs at his disposal, alongside Marc Sneyd and Albert Kelly.

I don’t owe anybody selection favours, it’s on form and it always has been .

Half-back options: Albert Kelly, Marc Sneyd and Jake Connor

18:08

Chris Atkin

18:07

Garbutt has been impressed

Mitch Garbutt has backed fellow Hull KR forward George Lawler to end the year as an international player.

A back-rower by trade, Lawler has done a sterling job in the middle amid Rovers’ injury crisis up front.

The 23-year-old was overlooked when the representative squads were named last month but Garbutt believes he is worthy of at least a place in the England Knights team in the autumn.

Derby - Hull FC preview

Revenge

After the heartbreak of February’s result at Craven Park, the Black and Whites will be desperate to set the record straight.

The Black and Whites entered the last minute of the game with a two-point lead following Bureta Faraimo’s 67th minute try and with the clock ticking down the Hull fans who had made the trip across the River Hull were counting the seconds until another derby victory.

But, when Ben Crooks patted down Josh Drinkwater’s high kick, Danny McGuire had the space to set up Jimmy Keinhorst, who touched down in the corner with just six seconds on the clock.

While a lot of water has passed under the bridge over the course of the season already that result still stings. Lee Radford won’t need to make reference to that game in his pre-match team talk, but every player involved that day will be eager to right their wrongs.

Hull FC celebrate victory at the Stade Gilbert Brutus

18:02

Hull Kr derby preview

Poke the boo boys

The Black and Whites moved into the play-off places thanks to successive away wins but have not enjoyed playing at the KCOM Stadium this year.

FC have won only once at home in 2019 and Lee Radford admitted he was looking forward to getting away from the “moans and groans” following their humiliating defeat by Warrington.

Radford’s men have clearly moved on from that setback but a strong start by Rovers could bring back painful memories for the home crowd.

Players are human and any tension from the fans would give the Robins an advantage, no matter how small.

Hull KR's Jimmy Keinhorst celebrates scoring his side's winning try

16:30

Who wins tonight's televise game?

Paul Cooke (Ex-FC and KR player, Doncaster Knights coach)

Castleford v Wakefield: Castleford losing last time out to Huddersfield, face a Wakefield team finding a way to win games and win tight games through adversity. Home advantage to tell? I’m going home win, just. Castleford

Craig Murdock (Ex-FC and KR player, rugby league agent)

Castleford v Wakefield. 1st of many hard matches to call. Both teams have lots of injuries and Cas missing McShane is huge for them. I think the home advantage will be key. Castleford

James O’Brien (New Hull KR reporter)

Castleford v Wakefield: The Tigers’ form has tailed off after a solid start to the season and they have been pulled back into the chasing pack. Wakefield have found some consistency but will struggle to maintain that after losing both half-backs against Wigan last week. That swings the derby in Castleford’s favour. Castleford

William Jackson (Hull FC reporter)

Castleford v Wakefield: I’m having trouble making my mind up on this one. Wakefield are in the in-form side, but will be without Danny Brough and Jacob Miller, while Castleford have their own injuries and have won two of their last five. I’ll go for a narrow Castleford win. Castleford.

Nick Pinkney (Ex-KR and Challenge Cup winner)

Castleford v Wakefield: Home advantage may be the difference between these sides. Cas are very good at using the small pitch to their benefit. Castleford

James Smailes (Hull Daily Mail sports editor)

Castleford v Wakefield: The Tigers are missing key men and being without Paul McShane is a further big blow. Trinity meanwhile also have men missing and no half-backs, but David Fifita is ripping through opponents and I just have a sneaky feeling for an away win. Wakefield

Richard Stead (BBC Radio Humberside commentator)

Castleford v Wakefield: It’s no accident that these two sides sit 3rd and 4th in the table. Both have absentees but the fact Brough and Miller miss out for Trinity makes me plump for a home win. Castleford

14:48

Keith Senior gives his prediction

I’m really looking forward to this game and I’m certain the people of Hull are. There is going to be a potential record crowd at the KCOM Stadium and it will be an electric atmosphere. On paper I think these two teams are about level at the moment and like the game on the opening weekend, one score will decide it. Rovers won the last one but I fancy the black and whites to just prevail this time.

Hull FC by 4

14:13

Great effort from Saints

5,500 Saints fans making the trip to the DW Stadium.

13:59

Cas fan banned for life

Castleford have banned a supporter for life as part of their crackdown on the use of smoke bombs.The Tigers issued a warning to supporters earlier in the month of a zero-tolerance approach to the use of incendiary devices such as smoke bombs, fireworks and flares by home or away supporters.The Super League club say two fans needed medical attention as a result of the latest incident, at Huddersfield seven days ago, and following an appeal for information managed to identify the culprit.A statement said: “The club would like to thank everybody who has provided information following this appeal and can confirm that the Tigers’ ground safety team has now successfully identified the culprit and taken appropriate action.“This includes the fan in question having his 2019 season ticket cancelled and receiving a lifetime ban from the Mend-A-Hose Jungle and all other stadia.“Castleford Tigers would like to further reiterate that any home or away supporter caught igniting a smoke bomb, firework or flare at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle or a Tigers fan identified committing a similar offence at an away fixture will be dealt with accordingly.”

13:45

Derby and round 11 predictions

It’s that time of the week again.

Craig Murdock (Ex-FC and KR player, rugby league agent)

Hull FC v Hull KR. FC with that great win in France and a couple of troops back will probably start as favourites. KR were poor last week in the cup but form goes out the window in derbies. Home advantage hasn’t been good for FC so far but I’ll go home win. FC

Nick Pinkney (Ex-KR and Challenge Cup winner)

Hull FC v Hull KR: Rovers will have to preform at a much higher level this week to take the spoils against a Hull FC team coming off the back of a fantastic win in France. Think the black and whites might take this one. FC

Richard Stead (BBC Radio Humberside commentator)

Hull FC v Hull KR: It could come down to who can name the most front rowers in the 17. Both sides have had to make do and mend at prop in recent weeks. I’ll take FC to avenge that round 1 defeat, but probably not by many! FC

Hull KR's Jimmy Keinhorst scores in the final minute of the derby against Hull FC. (Image: PA)

13:12

Sharks comeback stuns Panthers in NRL

Cronulla Sharks overturned a 14-point deficit late on to inflict a painful defeat on Penrith Panthers.

Trailing 20-6 with 16 minutes to go, Cronulla were awarded a penalty try before Andrew Fifita - brother of Super League’s Man of Steel leader David - charged over to make it a two-point game.

Then with four minutes remaining, Josh Dugan crossed out wide to give the Sharks a thrilling 24-20 win that moved them up to seventh in the NRL table.

12:50

Derby build-up

While you tuck into your lunch, why not get even more excited about the big game by browsing all the main talking points ahead of tomorrow’s clash.

12:28

Burgess the new captain

England forward Sam Burgess has been appointed captain of South Sydney following the retirement of Greg Inglis.Burgess, 30, who joined the Rabbitohs from Bradford in 2010, has been part of a five-man leadership group but has now been handed the role on a full-time basis.Burgess, who has so far played 168 NRL games for Souths, was the obvious choice, having previously captained England under his international and club head coach Wayne Bennett.Bennett said: “There is no one better to take on the role of captaincy.“He has always been there to help me and fill the void when Greg was not available and there’s no one better I would rather work with.”Burgess said: “It’s a great honour and privilege to captain the greatest club in the NRL.“I’m looking forward to leading the team out on Friday against the Bulldogs, and I’m also looking forward to our team putting our best foot forward each and every week.”

12:16

'A win could kickstart our season'

Wigan Warriors’ Sean O’Loughlin believes a win over St Helens this weekend would be enough to kickstart Wigan’s faltering campaign.

The Warriors have picked up just three wins this season in the Super League as they struggle to get to grips to life without Shaun Wane.

However, the skipper insists two points against the league leaders could be all it takes to get back on track.

“We know we’ve got a tough one this week, but we are looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

Sean O'Loughlin.

“Obviously we are going into it as underdogs this week as Saints are playing very well and we are coming off the back of a couple of losses.

“The atmosphere is what makes the games I think. It’s normally a key moment in the season as well, a win in it can really propel your season if you have a good performance. The game’s themselves are just awesome to be a part of.

“What the fans bring to the game is massive for us. Form can go out of the window when you can ride that emotional side of things.

“Fans want to win just as much as players, so with them getting down in numbers and giving us support, it definitely adds to the performance of the players and gets five or ten per cent more out of everyone.

“Normally over the Easter period people are off work, enjoying the holiday spirit and this game can hopefully kickstart that for everybody. Getting a win is a big part of that enjoyment.”

12:10

Paul McShane on his suspension

Castleford Tigers’ hooker Paul McShane admits he feels he has let his teammates down after receiving a three-game suspension.

McShane was found guilty of using an elbow on Leeds’ Richie Myler, which has seen him miss games against Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants.

He will serve the last game of his ban this evening when Castleford take on Wakefield this evening and he is itching to get back into action on Easter Monday.

“I feel as though I let the lads down,” he told the Castleford and Pontefract Express.

“I think I missed the opportunity for us to win the game and (the incident with Myler) was just reckless, no way was it intentional.

“I would not intentionally do that, but I deserved to get what I got. There was no intention there, but if I didn’t do that I could be helping my teammates out now.”

Castleford's Paul McShane (Image: SWpix)

11:46

The kids are alright

Danny Houghton has backed Connor Wynne and Jack Brown to shine once more if they are selected to feature in the derby on Good Friday.

With injuries and suspensions hitting Hull FC’s squad hard last week, Lee Radford had no choice but to call upon Wynne, who made his debut a week earlier in the win over Salford Red Devils, and to hand promising prop Jack Brown a debut at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

Jack Brown made his Hull FC debut at Catalans Dragons and scored a try

Coming on after 25 minutes, it was Brown who got Hull’s first score of the game and it came with his first touch, running a line and charging over from 10m out. Wynne soon followed suit, with a second try moments later after latching onto a loose ball and touching down.

Hull eventually ran out 31-30 winners over the Catalans Dragons, with both Brown and Wynne being singled out for praise by Radford after the game.

11:09

Size isn't everything...

Hull KR head coach Tim Sheens has no doubt his team have enough fight in the forwards to take the game to Hull FC.

The Robins have had to do it tough up the middle in the early stages of the Super League campaign with their pack decimated by injuries.

Rovers are without one of their biggest weapons in Mose Masoe while Sheens has been unable to use fellow prop Nick Scruton this year and lost back-rower James Greenwood for the season last month.

Hull KR coach Tim Sheens (Image: Richard Addison)

But what KR have lacked in size they have made up for with plenty of heart, according to Sheens.

“(George) Lawler has done a great job there and other people have stood up in the middle, (Weller) Hauraki in particular when he plays 13,” said the Australian, who is set to welcome back props Mitch Garbutt and Lee Jewitt on Good Friday.

What a man!

Carlos Tuimavave on Lee Radford's player of the year verdict, his Easter hopes and finding consistency

When Carlos Tuimavave first touched down in East Yorkshire, playing two pivotal games in the space of four Easter days was unthinkable.

Tuimavave didn’t build up a great deal of NRL experience during his time Down Under, making a combined 14 competitive outings with New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights before Hull FCcame calling in 2016.

Never, though, was he asked to play in two of the biggest games of the season in Bank Holiday weekend as is tradition in the Northern Hemisphere.

As such, the centre admits he struggled to get to grips with the intense nature of the Super League over Easter when he first arrived.

But, as he ramps up the preparation for his fourth Good Friday derby clash this week, he feels ready to make the difference in all three games in what he believes is a critical period of the campaign.

“It’s something I struggled with at first playing so many games,” Tuimavave told the Mail. “But now I’ve got my head around it and I know what it’s all about. Hopefully I can be involved in all three games over the two weeks.

09:05

How do you see the derby going?

09:04

It's like being back at school for Hull KR's Kane Linnett, who says derby exceeds expectations

Kane Linnett admits he feels like a kid again as he prepares for his first experience of the relentless Easter period.

The Australian – capped six times by Scotland – joined Hull KR from North Queensland Cowboys in the off-season and has been a solid performer in the early months of the Super League campaign.

But the 30-year-old will be pushed to the limit this weekend as Rovers take on fierce rivals Hull FC on Good Friday before welcoming Warrington Wolves to KCOM Craven Park three days later.

Hull KR's Joel Tomkins, Chris Atkin and Kane Linnett

There will be no let-up with a trip to Leeds Rhinos next Sunday and it will be new territory for Linnett as a professional.

“Obviously there’s a few games in a short period of time,” he said.

09:03

Gareth Ellis on how long he'll play on for, being free of captaincy and his bonus Hull FC derby chance

Gareth Ellis has refused to put an end date on his return from retirement, admitting he is revelling in the freedom of playing without responsibility or restrictions at Hull FC.

With injuries striking early within the Hull camp, Ellis took the decision to come out of retirement and pull his boots on once more to help out the Black and Whites and he made a second debut for the Black and Whites in the golden point win over Wigan Warriors in February.

Since then, the 37-year-old has played in every game but the heavy defeat to Warrington Wolves at the KCOM Stadium and started as a prop in Perpignan last Saturday as Marc Sneyd kicked yet another match-winning drop goal against the Catalans Dragons.

Gareth Ellis in action for Hull FC against Leeds Rhinos

However, with the season set to take a gruelling turn this Easter weekend, Ellis isn’t allowing himself to feel the pressures that usually accompany this time of year.

Treating every game as a bonus, Ellis insists his return to action remains open-ended, but he sees no reason why he can’t go the distance.

“The plan in the back of my head to go to the end of the season,” Ellis told Hull Live. “Obviously injuries might make a decision for me at some stage but while I’m fit and healthy and recovering well and enjoying it, I’ll keep going for as long as I can.

08:55

Good morning

Welcome along to today’s LIVE rugby league blog where we will have all the news and rumours all day long.